Cases Handled by Juvenile Court

Parentage Actions

Custody

The Juvenile Court is responsible for determining custody in paternity cases or in domestic relations cases assigned by the General Division of Common Pleas Court after a divorce has been finalized. We currently have a Magistrate who hears most of the paternity and custody cases in Williams County.

Abuse, Neglect & Dependency of Children

Complaints are filed by the Department of Job and Family Services when they feel children are not being properly cared for. The Judge determines what is in the child's best interest. The Judge can order that children be placed in foster homes, placed with a more appropriated relative, or order protective supervision of the child.

Adult Contributing

When an adult is charged with helping a juvenile commit an unruly or delinquent act.

Juvenile Unruly

A person under the age of 18 who is ungovernable, truant from school, or violates curfew.

Juvenile Delinquent

A person under the age of 18 who commits a crime. The Juvenile Court is responsible for determining the disposition of the juvenile's case.